Elisabeth Hasselbeck first came to my attention on a show called, The Look For Less. I later found out that she had competed on and won Survivor. Whowouldathunkit!?!? The show quickly became one of my favorites. It featured designer looks on everyday people budgets. One of the pieces of advice I remember most was to pair your inexpensive "trendy" items with your more expensive closet staples. Rules to live by! Several times in a woman's life she will have to update her wardrobe...for several reasons; age, weight gain or loss, pregnancy, etc. Whenever this day comes, there are some items you should invest in.
Here are my 10 MUST-HAVE staple items:
A well fitting pair of jeans: Few jeans are created equal. We all know that the process of finding the perfect pair of jeans can be as painful as having your wisdom teeth pulled. Hours upon hours...store after store. All in search of a pair of jeans with the right waist, right shade of blue, right cut, right length, right weight, and the right size. UGH!!! But nevertheless, when you have found them...the ones that make your butt look like it could balance a bottle of Budweiser, your legs looks like they begin at your chest, and make your waist look as cinched as Vera-Ellen's in White Christmas...all while avoiding the dreaded muffin-top!
A coat for all seasons: I found mine a couple of years ago at Nordstrom. It's a classic trench, yet contemporary with large pleats just below the waist that was belted in black patent leather. I've worn it to church with a nice skirt or over a dress as well as on a date with jeans and flats. If you can find one that is the right fabric, you can really wear it all year round. Cargo jackets are hot right now, and they come in a wide variety of colors. For the summer, try wearing them with a pair of shorts and a lacy cami to make the outfit more feminine.
A black pencil skirt: This style is flattering on most figures. If you are concerned about your hips looking too wide avoid skirts with "tapered" hemlines (meaning that the skirt is more narrow at the hemline). A properly fitting skirt should skim your hips and stop just at or mid-way down your knee. Think sexy secretary! ;-)
The LBD: All hail to Queen Hepburn who made the LBD famous in the movie classic Breakfast at Tiffany's! The LBD was originated by Coco Chanel, who wanted women to have a dress that would move them from day to evening. The right dress will do just that. Today, the LBD comes in a variety of styles and cuts from ultra sexy to casual comfort. Just a few weeks ago, I vowed not to purchase another black dress, and without thinking I added two more of these versatile minis to my growing collection.
An embellished flat: I've surprised myself with this one. For years, if it didn't have a four inch heel it didn't come home with me. But I got older...and wiser (not to mention, my knees started to bother me) and I bit the bullet. Today, flats are the majority of the inventory in a shoe store. In fact, just today, I was looking for a sandal to wear to a birthday party and flat shoes and sandals were everywhere I turned. Some things to remember when looking for a flat:
#1. Sizes may be different. If it is a shoe with no arch support which will cause your foot to "spread" you may need a half size larger.
#2. Know your arch. Ballet slippers and some other flats are void of arches. And if you have a high arch you may experience some discomfort in your legs.
#3. You're an adult now. Be sure that you look for a cute flat that doesn't make you look like your preparing for your first day of kindergarten.
#4. Remember what makes stilettos so sexy! We love high heels because of the way they may our legs look. You lose that with a flat, especially one with a thick sole. The thicker the sole, the thicker the calf will look.
A tailored trouser: While a tailor isn't on most people's speed dial, it is important to at least keep the number of one in your Rolodex. I wear slacks to work about 85% of the year and the ones that I wear get a lot of use. Which is all the more reason to make sure that they fit perfectly. Fortunately, more and more designers are realizing that all cuts will not work for all women. But ladies, even when we find one that works for you always remember that the majority of the clothes we purchase aren't going to fit perfectly. I know that the hem of a pant is usually where we look first, but there are some other things to keep in mind. Fit flubs often occur at the waist...too loose or too tight, it's okay to move the button; the inseam...does the pant droop between your legs or are you guilty of the dreaded camel toe; the rear view...a proper trouser should not reveal your latest Victoria Secret purchase. Yes, tailoring a garment can be pricey, but it will extend the like of your clothing.
A black patent leather pump: I don't care if it's open-toe, peep-toe, ballet-toe, or closed-toe...it doesn't matter the height of the heel or the width of the sole--every lady should own a pair or two of these shoes. And they are so popular and so necessary that they can be found at ANY price point. Whatever the style remember that the goal is subtle sex appeal and overall elegance...so keep the embellishments to a minimum so that you don't end up looking like (well, let's just keep it appropriate for the office). But this is such a versatile shoe and they can be worn nearly anywhere for nearly any occasion. I did say nearly because this is NOT and I repeat NOT a shoe for formal events. After you try the black broaden your horizons to other colors.
A basic blazer: You want some respect in the office? You don't feel like the fellas take you seriously...try on a blazer for size. It can be paired with nearly anything and it will immediately demand attention. My students even behave differently when I'm wearing one. Fit is always important and while the "boyfriend" style is really hot right now, remember that you are going to the effect and you should not look as though you've actually stolen his from the closet. For the basics look for something with a tapered waist. Make sure that it buttons comfortably. And your boobs should not sit in the opening like a poorly played game of hide and seek.
Cute cardis: Truthfully, I cannot say enough about cardigans! I absolutely ADORE them! Now, I'm not talking about one that looks like your grandmother's white doily napkins! I have lost count of how many of these cute contraptions I have...but they can take your wardrobe from drab to fab in a second. There are 100's of style to choose from. Many are adorned with embellishments like pens and flowers. And they almost always look great cinched at the waist with a belt. Get a few of these and watch the heads turn.
A crisp white button down: What's there to say about a white shirt? It may sound dull and plain, but it certainly doesn't have to be. Think about how sexy you feel in your guy's over-sized dress shirt; well, one that fits your feminine frame to a tee is that much more attractive. Spend some dough here, get one that is cut to accentuate the positive. Channel your inner Carolina Herrera!
Once you have these essentials, you have the basis for being the fiercest diva in the office. And watch your professional and social status fly as your confidence causes others to take note of how wonderful you already were!
Stay Stylish,
Dean Tipper Diva
Here are my 10 MUST-HAVE staple items:
A well fitting pair of jeans: Few jeans are created equal. We all know that the process of finding the perfect pair of jeans can be as painful as having your wisdom teeth pulled. Hours upon hours...store after store. All in search of a pair of jeans with the right waist, right shade of blue, right cut, right length, right weight, and the right size. UGH!!! But nevertheless, when you have found them...the ones that make your butt look like it could balance a bottle of Budweiser, your legs looks like they begin at your chest, and make your waist look as cinched as Vera-Ellen's in White Christmas...all while avoiding the dreaded muffin-top!
A coat for all seasons: I found mine a couple of years ago at Nordstrom. It's a classic trench, yet contemporary with large pleats just below the waist that was belted in black patent leather. I've worn it to church with a nice skirt or over a dress as well as on a date with jeans and flats. If you can find one that is the right fabric, you can really wear it all year round. Cargo jackets are hot right now, and they come in a wide variety of colors. For the summer, try wearing them with a pair of shorts and a lacy cami to make the outfit more feminine.
A black pencil skirt: This style is flattering on most figures. If you are concerned about your hips looking too wide avoid skirts with "tapered" hemlines (meaning that the skirt is more narrow at the hemline). A properly fitting skirt should skim your hips and stop just at or mid-way down your knee. Think sexy secretary! ;-)
The LBD: All hail to Queen Hepburn who made the LBD famous in the movie classic Breakfast at Tiffany's! The LBD was originated by Coco Chanel, who wanted women to have a dress that would move them from day to evening. The right dress will do just that. Today, the LBD comes in a variety of styles and cuts from ultra sexy to casual comfort. Just a few weeks ago, I vowed not to purchase another black dress, and without thinking I added two more of these versatile minis to my growing collection.
An embellished flat: I've surprised myself with this one. For years, if it didn't have a four inch heel it didn't come home with me. But I got older...and wiser (not to mention, my knees started to bother me) and I bit the bullet. Today, flats are the majority of the inventory in a shoe store. In fact, just today, I was looking for a sandal to wear to a birthday party and flat shoes and sandals were everywhere I turned. Some things to remember when looking for a flat:
#1. Sizes may be different. If it is a shoe with no arch support which will cause your foot to "spread" you may need a half size larger.
#2. Know your arch. Ballet slippers and some other flats are void of arches. And if you have a high arch you may experience some discomfort in your legs.
#3. You're an adult now. Be sure that you look for a cute flat that doesn't make you look like your preparing for your first day of kindergarten.
#4. Remember what makes stilettos so sexy! We love high heels because of the way they may our legs look. You lose that with a flat, especially one with a thick sole. The thicker the sole, the thicker the calf will look.
A tailored trouser: While a tailor isn't on most people's speed dial, it is important to at least keep the number of one in your Rolodex. I wear slacks to work about 85% of the year and the ones that I wear get a lot of use. Which is all the more reason to make sure that they fit perfectly. Fortunately, more and more designers are realizing that all cuts will not work for all women. But ladies, even when we find one that works for you always remember that the majority of the clothes we purchase aren't going to fit perfectly. I know that the hem of a pant is usually where we look first, but there are some other things to keep in mind. Fit flubs often occur at the waist...too loose or too tight, it's okay to move the button; the inseam...does the pant droop between your legs or are you guilty of the dreaded camel toe; the rear view...a proper trouser should not reveal your latest Victoria Secret purchase. Yes, tailoring a garment can be pricey, but it will extend the like of your clothing.
A black patent leather pump: I don't care if it's open-toe, peep-toe, ballet-toe, or closed-toe...it doesn't matter the height of the heel or the width of the sole--every lady should own a pair or two of these shoes. And they are so popular and so necessary that they can be found at ANY price point. Whatever the style remember that the goal is subtle sex appeal and overall elegance...so keep the embellishments to a minimum so that you don't end up looking like (well, let's just keep it appropriate for the office). But this is such a versatile shoe and they can be worn nearly anywhere for nearly any occasion. I did say nearly because this is NOT and I repeat NOT a shoe for formal events. After you try the black broaden your horizons to other colors.
A basic blazer: You want some respect in the office? You don't feel like the fellas take you seriously...try on a blazer for size. It can be paired with nearly anything and it will immediately demand attention. My students even behave differently when I'm wearing one. Fit is always important and while the "boyfriend" style is really hot right now, remember that you are going to the effect and you should not look as though you've actually stolen his from the closet. For the basics look for something with a tapered waist. Make sure that it buttons comfortably. And your boobs should not sit in the opening like a poorly played game of hide and seek.
Cute cardis: Truthfully, I cannot say enough about cardigans! I absolutely ADORE them! Now, I'm not talking about one that looks like your grandmother's white doily napkins! I have lost count of how many of these cute contraptions I have...but they can take your wardrobe from drab to fab in a second. There are 100's of style to choose from. Many are adorned with embellishments like pens and flowers. And they almost always look great cinched at the waist with a belt. Get a few of these and watch the heads turn.
A crisp white button down: What's there to say about a white shirt? It may sound dull and plain, but it certainly doesn't have to be. Think about how sexy you feel in your guy's over-sized dress shirt; well, one that fits your feminine frame to a tee is that much more attractive. Spend some dough here, get one that is cut to accentuate the positive. Channel your inner Carolina Herrera!
Once you have these essentials, you have the basis for being the fiercest diva in the office. And watch your professional and social status fly as your confidence causes others to take note of how wonderful you already were!
Stay Stylish,
Dean Tipper Diva
No comments:
Post a Comment